6-foot-10 Arkansas transfer Hunter Mickelson picks KU

Big man says he's fan of KU tradition

Kentucky's Terrence Jones, right, puts up a shot under pressure from Arkansas' Hunter Mickelson (21) and Marvell Waithe during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012.

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AP Photo/James Crisp

Kentucky's Terrence Jones, right, puts up a shot under pressure from Arkansas' Hunter Mickelson (21) and Marvell Waithe during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012.

Newell Post blog

A native of Jonesboro, Ark., Hunter Mickelson grew up a fan of the outdoors and of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.

“Hunting, fishing, playing basketball and going to school ... that’s about all I’ve been doing since I’ve been here,” said the 6-foot-10, 235-pound sophomore power forward, who on Thursday announced his decision to transfer from Arkansas to Kansas University for the final two years of his college basketball career.

“He is a great coach. It probably is a good style for big men, but it just wasn’t for me,” said Mickelson, who, as Rivals.com’s No. 100-rated player in the high school recruiting Class of 2011, chose John Pelphrey’s program over KU, Florida, Baylor, Arizona, Kentucky and 19 others who offered scholarships. Pelphrey was fired before Mickelson’s freshman year.

“KU was my No. 1 choice out of (Jonesboro Westside) high school, but he is a homestate kid and wanted to play for the Razorbacks. We gave that a try even though we knew the system and style probably wasn’t the best one for him,” said Mickelson’s dad, Darien.

“KU is a good fit with the type of players he (Bill Self) turns out as far as the Cole Aldriches and Jeff Witheys,” Darien added. “The storied tradition of KU basketball … it is like Notre Dame football. It doesn’t get any better than that. The biggest factor is, KU really recruits itself, but just being on the court with three or four other high-quality talented kids makes everybody better. You can’t have the success and history and expectations maintained that many years by not doing it right.”

Mickelson, who will practice but not play in games next season in accordance with NCAA rules, chose KU as a transfer destination over finalist Butler. He and his dad have never been to Lawrence.

“Just because of the tradition they have ... the opportunity to get to play in a national championship or play deep in the tournament ... that’s all I wanted,” said Hunter Mickelson. His career high in points is 16 vs. Robert Morris and rebounds 13 vs. Northwestern State.

“They always play tough. They have great home games, great road trips. They’ve won a bunch of conference titles back to back. I wanted to be part of that.”

“It happened fairly quick,” Hunter added. “We talked about it a little while, me and my family, discussed the options and decided Kansas was the best place.”

Mickelson said his strength right now is defense. He will work on “my post presence, I imagine, being consistent from inside and outside, getting my quickness more than it is.”

He trusts KU coach Bill Self to help him in all areas.

“He is really smart, knows how to play the game, how to handle things. I’m definitely ready to go to work and be a part of it,” Mickelson said of Self.

His previous coach, Anderson, recently said: “Hunter is a fine young man who represents the Razorbacks well both on and off the court. He has improved as a player during his two years at Arkansas, and I wish him the best as he pursues his degree and basketball career elsewhere.”

Mickelson will be on scholarship during his red-shirt season, meaning KU has two scholarships left to give this spring. KU is recruiting former Memphis forward Tarik Black and has reportedly shown interest in former Alabama guard Trevor Lacey. KU also is in the running for No. 1-rated prep Andrew Wiggins.

KU vs. Merv: KU will play the University of New Mexico on Dec. 14 in Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. It will be a one-time game with no return game to UNM. Former KU guard Merv Lindsay will be eligible at New Mexico next season. KU will play Duke in Chicago next season, travel to Colorado and Florida, play Georgetown and San Diego State at home and play in the Battle 4 Atlantis.

He tweeted it: “Kansas has landed a key addition in Arkansas transfer Hunter Mickelson. He’ll fit much better w/ Bill Self’s system,” said Jeff Goodman of cbssports.com. CBS’ sources said Mickelson tried to get out of his letter of intent when Pelphrey was fired, but was denied by coach Anderson. Mickelson’s recruiting class included Devonta Abron (now at TCU), B.J. Young (recently declared for NBA Draft) and Kyle Madden, who remains at Arkansas.

Yep. With him sitting out a year, he will be able to practice with an elite team and workout with literally the finest weight trainer in all of college basketball. If he has the work ethic, Hudy will beef this guy up.

I know... that is always what bothered me about Simien, TRob, the Morris twins, DArthur... their lack of speed. #smh

Almost all of the bigs under Self have been more on the quick/agile side... Darnell Jackson, Withey, Aldrich (not slow, just a bit clumsy), Traylor, Wesley, Young. Even Kaun was pretty fast, he was just clunky. Jeff Graves was the best bet you have likening anyone to ALL of the large and slow KU bigs.

Of all those guys, I really miss Kaun. I've gone back and watched a lot of those 2008 games, and it's pretty awesome to see him defend in the post. I don't recall seeing Kaun getting help from another defender. His ability to defend his man by himself was a sight to see.

That's funny.....NONE of them are in the NBDL. T.Rob w/ the Rockets, the Morrises w/ the Suns, Arhtur w/ the Grizzlies, Kaun overseas and doing well on a Russian league team. I guess D. Jackson was for a while but he's spent almost as much time in the NBA.

I didn't mean for it to come across like I was hating on Graves. I was more pointing to what you noted; when his head wasn't in it, he could have been looked at as slow. I was more just alluding that IF he was wanting to make that argument, that'd maybe be his best bet

I smell practice player, who will hopefully present challenges to the front-line big men. Everyone always has talked about how the practice sessions are where they get better and ready to tackle the rest of the teams. Self has the scholarships, so why not?

I'm with coloradojayhawk. He was ranked #100 in the class of 2011 and he didn't really do much at a mediocre Arkansas. He might get some back up minutes his senior year if we have a lot of NBA defections but this is Bill Self trying to even out the scholarship situation and have good players to practice with.

What the hell is wrong with your thought process? A sweet sixteen, an elite eight, two final fours, and one Nat Championship since 2008-sounds like you're the one desparate just to have someone listen to hogwash. Try a dog if you are smart enough to know how to give it a good home. If not, get a reptile.

Embiid was a volleyball player before taking up basketball. The reason why volleyball players tend to be above average shot blockers is because if you're playing at the net in volleyball, you have to go straight up to block a spike otherwise you'll hit the net and give the other team a point. The ability to go straight up to block a shot in volleyball is a skill that translates very well to basketball if the player has good timing like Withey did.

Don't know about that. When I think of Arkansas my mind goes to people like the Walton's (Walmart), Jerry Jones (Cowboys), and Tyson's (lots of meat), just to name a few. I believe they all play with a little more than just pigs.

Yeah we play basketball in Arkansas! Its Called 40 minutes of Hell! That won us the 1994 National Championship! And was one of the MOST Successful basketball programs in the 90's. We arent Kansas but we are a top 3 program in the SEC in Basketball. Which is the KING of Football! which is far more important than Basketball! Lol which Kansas is the laughingstock of Big 12 or Little 10 Football! I understand why Nobody would want to play football at Podunk KU!

JayhawkJohn... Kentucky is #1 in Basketball in our Conference and rival with yall. But Arkansas averages 2nd most revenue behind Kentucky, 2nd most fan support 20,000 strong in the Basketball palace Bud Walton Arena also has top 3 tradition. Only other two teams that can compete are Mizzoo and Florida the last Decade. True we havent been much since Nolan Richardson has left. But Mike Anderson Nolans right hand man for 17 years. Is getting us back to the Success we had before. Like he did with Mizzoo. So tell that idiot g_rock to quit talkn crap!

I remember that tournament like it was yesterday. In fact, I still have the article that the AR players were disappointed that they didn't get to play IN after KU HAMMERED them. 40 minutes of hell turned into 80 minutes of hell, didn't it, Rod?!
UNLV was hyped all year long, but I knew KU could beat them. When I saw the brackets come out, I also knew Duke would beat UNLV before KU got a chance at them. That was my best bracket ever. KU almost came back from 11 without about a minute or so to play but it was not to be.
So, *uck it, arKansas fan!

Tired of hearing about Arkansas football they have not won a BCS game in years. They had a terrible season last year so no difference from KU except they don't have a basketball team. I live in Little Rock and the Razorback fans live in a world of their own. In their minds they are number one in football and close in basketball. A few years ago I spent two weeks laughing because they all were convinced HCBS was leaving Kansas for a better job at Arkansas. Join the real world.

No kidding. As head football coach of a D1 program in a town infatuated with every facet of the program, you would believe one might be bright enough not to carry on an extra-marital affair and parade the mistress around on your Harley sans helmets.

An SEC school trying to impress with their basketball acumen is like a prostitute trying to impress with her chastity. LOL! Coach Anderson is a punk and should have let this player out of his commitment when he was an incoming freshman. He coached thugs at MU and the 40 minutes of pork smells like burned bacon at the end. Hahahahahahaha!

Why are you so sensitive. Arkansas is a good school with a good athletic program. People who post here would criticize their grandmother for being kind. We have all kinds, so roll with the jab!! You're lucky, you don't have ahpersecoachingexperience on your case, yet!! You want bad news? He's bad news.

We know KU has a sorry football program, but like Arkansas basketball it wasn't always sorry, and like Arkansas we are hoping a new coach will turn it around.

Chill out! Start your own sports blog and if you don't want to read critical comments from a bunch of wise guys stay off ours.

Poor Rod... Having a bad day which would have been avoided if Anderson had granted Mickelson his release. But Anderson has never been known for being classy.

I find it telling that Missouri basketball has made huge strides since Anderson left for Arkansas. Missouri fans should thank Anderson for leaving. The Frank Haith era at Missouri has rejuvenated the program.

Anderson is a poor man's Richardson. Even the scandals under Anderson seem to be at the Junior varsity level. A former assistant coach (17 friggen years?) coming home to bring back 40 min. of hell. Unfortunately, those 40 min. of hell is mostly for the home crowd, unless you like watching NIT basketball...oh wait a second, you didn't get an invitation after that 30 point loss to Missouri. TFF

good call nuleafjhawk...maybe his family history has volleyball in it.....or do we need a different sport that 'translates' into basketball skillsets...maybe he is a semi-professional juggler...wouldn't the announcers have a hey day with something like that.

We don't need to fill 'em too quickly. Would ratehr use two for next year's class. As far as I know we only have 2 or 3 left.

If 3 - would LOVE to see us get Josh Perkins, Trevor Lacey & Justise Winslow.....none would be able to play next year, but what a monstrous rostser for '14/'15. I think regardless of what we see out of Mason this year, he might want to redshirt that year.

won't we only have ONE scholarship (Wesley's) to give next year if we use them all and everyone stays? I know we typically free one or two up with a transfer or early departure (for example possibly Ellis if he has a monster year), but isn't that a little scary- only being able to sign one or two guys next year?

I live here in Fayetteville, AR and I've seen this kid play here at U of A. He's a very skilled big man. His game reminds me a lot of Cole Aldrich. Still has some things to polish up on, but KU is getting a solid big man. Welcome to the Jayhawk Family, Hunter!!!

Haven’t seen much yet but he looks like he could be a mix of two recent transfers, Withey and Young. Withey with the blocking and FT%, Young with the energy. Looks like he may be a natural leader as well, which is something Withey needed to have infused by players and coaches.

2014 is starting to get crowded at the #4 and #5. Ellis, Embiid, Traylor, Lucas, Mickelson. That’s gonna be a talented and experienced group, even if we don’t land a blue chipper next year.

They wouldn't have redshirted so fast if they thought he wasn't going to last at KU. Might as well played him freshman year and let him redshirt at the new school. Just like Adams, Lindsay, and Thomas. By HCBS willing to redshirt his freshman year he must think he is worth his weight.

Not at all. He is a better than average Joe player who will at the very least give the bigs competition in practice...but I expect more and love that he spurned a former Mizzou coach and turned down an upstart program like Butler.

Next year's team will be fun to watch. Mickelson will bring another big body big to the practice squad, helping the development of all the post players.

But the team in two years will be where it's at. Five-star studs Ellis, Embiid, and Selden will highlight a very talented and deep team. Think about it... Ellis, Embiid, Lucas, Mickelson in the post. White, Selden, and Greene on the wings. Tharpe, Frankamp, and Mason sharing minutes at the 1 and 2. That will be THE elite title contending team to beat.

Don’t forget Traylor down low. He took a huge step forward, (similar to Ellis) toward the end of the season. He now has some post moves to go along with his KY-like bouncy energy, blocking and dunking skills.

He's got to be thanking his lucky stars to be coming to KU from that basketball dead end in Fayetteville. Our team in 14-15 is going to be an absolute beast, I won't say Self's best, but wow, what a time to start playing for KU! I can't wait to watch the 'Hawks a year and a half from now!

This represents depth at center and building / insurance for the future. Traylor is not a true center. Lucas probably needs some development and now there is some talk about Embiid possibly being one and done. The kid is a true center with shot blocking skills which HCBS likes. He'll have a year to continue to develop and be ready to contribute in 2014 and 2015, in addition to making practices more competitive. Self clearly likes to use all of his scholarships as opposed to saving them for the following year, which makes even more sense when there is always the possibility of OAD (Selden, Embiid, but hopefully not). Maybe not a home run (who knows), but I like it.

I'm surprised the LJW didn't mention that Hunter ended the year (2011) ranked as the number 8 Center and number 55 overall player in the ESPN Top 100. That would have made him the second highest ranked recruit in that KU class and puts him in the same grouping of bigs we were recruiting that year (Angelo Choi, #61 and Norvel Pelle, #72). I think this is a really nice fit for Kansas. Great experienced practice player next year and a good locker room guy. Sounds like he has a good motor, just needs to add that famous Self "toughness!"

This is a good solid pick up for KU. Mickleson has a solid skill set and should be a decent contributor once he becomes eligible. I don't think he'll be a great scorer, but he sounds like he should be a load for opposing offensive players to deal with. It sounds like Mickleson also has a much better work ethic than Tarik Black does and will have 2 years to play along with a year of development instead of just one year after 3 year of progressive declining output and a poor work ethic. Now it's time to go get a 2 guard whether it be Freeman or Lacey.

I could be completely off base but the last coach I remember at Kansas who utilized the zone on a regular basis was Ted Owens. I felt pretty bad when he was finally let go but when he kept Ron Kellogg on the bench his first two years, I think just about everyone knew it was time for a change.

If I were 6'10" and 245, I think that after two years of collegiate 40 Minutes of Hell, I, too, might wish to settle into a program where I could develop into NBA-style bigman basketball.
This transfer offers Mickelson an extra year of college to work under one of the best training and coaching staffs in the nation; and, definitely, an opportunity to experience deep postseason tournament runs. I like that 80% freethrow stat and the freshman block record at Arkansas. Here's a player who is not wishy-washy about the once in a lifetime chance to become a Jayhawk. Rock Chalk, Hunter!

So much feedback about the negative. So he played at Arkansas, but they do play with the big boys and I saw him play some. I say he will be a good fit. If he doesn't he will give our bigs a good workout. We have some guys that people never expected to play in the NBA and Collison is still helping in OK. Self does know what he is doing. We have some guys that will probably never make it in the NBA, but with their help give us our depth, strength and motivation to win another crown. ROCK CHALK

The most important part about him coming here is that practice will be more competitive for the bigs. If he develops into a bad@ss, that's great but not necessary. Perry, Lucas and Embiid now feel more pressure this off season. Pressure is good.

3] As an All-State football player, I was the third string center on a district champion basketball team that ws 26-3. My job was to pound the two top centers to toughen them up in practice...Hunter just became my favorite player!!

4] Just to clarify..doesn't Bill still have two scholarships left if he asks Keith Langford nicely to pick up the tab for Justin one more time? [ currently 6 holdovers, 5 newbies, 1 transfer = 12]

KU has the best record in the NCAA tournament over the last 10 years and more. Also the best record in college basketball the last 10-25 years as well. We all know however we've left four NCAA championships on the table in the last four years. Thats why they call it March madness so no blame, it happens to 67 teams every tear. With that said I believe Self or an assistant needs to challenge the team just before the NCAA tournament like Rick Pitino did. Rick just followed through with a promise of getting a huge tattoo on his back. Have to give him credit. I think Self and staff can use similar motivation in the coming years, kids love that kind of thing especially late in the season when a little more inventive is needed.